If you have been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know how important hands-on science is. But I also live in reality and I understand that there are times when skipping an experiment is an unavoidable reality. Today, I am sharing what to do when you find yourself in that rare situation.

Welcome to season 7 of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show, where we are exploring the how-to’s of teaching science at home so that you will have building blocks you need for homeschool science.

I am Paige Hudson, your guide through this journey. Let’s dig in…

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Episode 98 - How to skip an experiment (on the rare occasion that you have to)

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode: 

(0:38)

Introduction

• You are staring at this week’s experiment and you realize that you don’t have the materials you need and you don't have the time or resources to figure out a work-around for the experiment.
• Is it possible for you to skip an experiment and still have your students learn something?
• Yes, and in this episode, I'm sharing how to skip and experiment and still have a successful learning experience.

(1:40)

Before we chat about the steps, I have to add two caveats...

• Caveat 1 - I am going to assume that we are speaking about skipping experiments with students who are in fifth grade or higher.
• Caveat 2 - This is not a license to skip every one of the planned scientific demonstrations or experiments. 

(2:50)

Here are the steps you should follow when skipping an experiment:

1. Read the Introduction - The introduction sets the stage for what the students should have discovered in the experiment. 
2. Formulate a Hypothesis - The students are still capable of formulating their hypotheses even if they don’t complete the actual experiment.
3. Read through the Directions - Reading through the directions will give the students a picture of how the experiment would have been set up.
4. Read through the Expected Results - When you share the expected results with your students, they will have an idea of what should have happened in the experiment.
5. Discuss the Explanation - By sharing the explanation, you are making sure that the students have grasped the concepts they need to from the experiment.

(4:20)

The final word...

• To successfully skip an experiment and still have your students learn, you need to mentally run through the experiment. It's not exactly the same as actually doing the experiment, but it is better than nothing at all!

(5:12)

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